0
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday strongly condemned missile and drone attacks on civilian infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), expressing complete solidarity with the country’s President Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
“Pakistan stands firmly with our Emirati brothers and sisters as well as with the government of the UAE at this difficult time,” PM Shehbaz said in a social media post on X.
“It is absolutely essential that the ceasefire be upheld and respected, to allow necessary diplomatic space for dialogue leading to enduring peace and stability in the region,” he said.
On Monday, the UAE said it was targeted by Iranian strikes, including one on its vital Fujairah energy hub that wounded three Indians. “These attacks represent a dangerous escalation and an unacceptable transgression,” the UAE’s foreign ministry said, adding that the country reserves the “right to respond”.
Directs health authorities to fast-track national hepatitis control drive
Fujairah lies beyond the Strait of Hormuz, making it one of few export routes for Middle East oil that does not require passing through it.
Iran’s state television network said military officials had confirmed they attacked the UAE in response to the “US military’s adventurism”.
Monday’s strike was not the first time Fujairah’s energy infrastructure had been in the crosshairs. A drone attack on March 14 had previously hit the Port of Fujairah, triggering fires and the suspension of some oil-loading operations.
Health ministry performance reviewed
Separately, PM Shehbaz while chairing a review meeting on the performance of the Ministry of National Health Services (NHS) directed comprehensive screening for major infectious diseases in all public hospitals.
The premier directed the relevant authorities to fast-track a national hepatitis control drive amid reaffirming the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health.
He said provision of quality healthcare remained among the government’s top priorities. He emphasised that every possible step would be taken to protect human life, stating that no effort would be spared in ensuring citizens well-being, a PM Office news release said.
He called for screening of all patients for hepatitis and HIV/AIDS in government hospitals. He also instructed the NHS ministry to establish, in coordination with provincial governments, an integrated system for timely reporting of hepatitis, AIDS and other diseases, noting that early detection was essential for effective control.
He directed the authorities concerned to expedite the implementation of PM Hepatitis Control Programme in collaboration with provinces, covering screening, testing and treatment.
Auto-disable syringes
To curb the spread of viral infections, the prime minister directed strict enforcement of the use of auto-disable syringes nationwide and asked the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) and other relevant bodies to ensure the complete elimination of syringe reuse.
Reiterating Pakistan’s resolve to eradicate poliomyelitis, PM Shehbaz reviewed progress on ongoing anti-polio, hepatitis and HIV control measures.
During the briefing, officials informed the meeting that 98 anti-retroviral therapy (ART) centres had been established in major hospitals for HIV/AIDS treatment, with plans to increase the number to 164 within a year. Screening facilities for HIV had also been introduced at all international airports for returning illegal immigrants.
The meeting was apprised that a pilot of the national hepatitis C elimination programme would soon be launched in Islamabad, AJK, and GB. Officials noted a gradual decline in the presence of poliovirus in recent environmental samples, while the latest anti-polio campaign achieved 98 per cent coverage.
Published in Dawn, May 6th, 2026
